(Toronto, Ont.–April 23, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the urgent need to renew commitments to residential school Survivors: As the federal election enters its final week, the Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the next government to support Survivors, their families and First Nations in their decades-long journeys to
(Toronto, Ont.–April 17, 2025) Chiefs of Ontario is deeply concerned over recent tough-on-crime rhetoric from political leaders at both the provincial and federal levels, including Premier Ford and Conservative Leader Poilievre. Recent commitments such as mandatory minimum sentences and the appointment of judges and justices of the peace who align with these regressive perspectives, reflect
(Toronto, Ont.–April 4, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the release of the long-delayed expert panel’s report into Métis Nation of Ontario communities: “This new Métis National Council (MNC) report into the validity of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) communities does not change the positions of either First Nations Leadership
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 27, 2025) On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a hybrid media event to discuss collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC). Ontario is home to many of the critical resources in Canada. It is also home to
(Caldwell First Nation, Ont.–Feb. 5, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Caldwell First Nation have issued the following joint press release: More than 100 representatives from organizations and First Nations across southern Ontario gathered in Windsor to discuss the repatriation of Ancestors and sacred items that are currently in the care of the provincial government
Warning: This statement contains details of experiences at residential schools. (Toronto, Ont.–Jan. 28, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the recent potential discovery of 144 unmarked graves at a former residential school near Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation): “This month, the Wiikwogaming Tiinahtiisiiwin Project Team, also known as
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 20, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply concerned that the Survivors’ Secretariat is facing insolvency because the government has broken its funding agreements with the organization. The news was revealed in media reports this week. The federal government must immediately honour its commitments and ensure that there is adequate and sustainable funding
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Reginal Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service agreement with Ontario: “Earlier this week, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) announced that they have come to an agreement with the province to bring the service into the provincial policing framework. I congratulate NAPS—the
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 13, 2024) Ontario Regional Chief Benedict has issued the following statement in response to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirming that Bill C-53 will not move forward during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on Monday, December 9, 2024: “The Chiefs of Ontario have
(Toronto, Ont.–Nov. 04, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario are mourning the loss of former senator and judge Murray Sinclair. He was 73 years old. “All First Nations across Turtle Island owe a deep debt of gratitude to Murray Sinclair, who spent his life fighting for justice for all First Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram
